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The Freetown West Region of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has held its first regional weapon-handling drill competition, aimed at strengthening officers’ operational readiness, safety awareness and professional competence.
The competition, held on Sunday, 13 September 2026, was witnessed by the Regional Commander, Freetown West, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Sylvester M. N. Koroma, and organised by the Regional OSD Coordinator, Superintendent Alfred Koroma.
The exercise brought together 14 personnel representing the Region’s six police divisions and Regional Headquarters. It focused on key weapon-handling procedures, including weapon handover and takeover, Normal Safety Precautions (NSP), weapon stripping and assembly, and the identification of weapon parts.
Addressing participants, AIG Sylvester Koroma, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police and the Executive Management Board, commended the organisers, Regional Operations Officer DSP Bai Kamara, divisional OSD commanders, armourers and all participants for their commitment to continuous professional development. He emphasised that safe and competent weapon handling is a critical responsibility, warning that even a minor error could have serious consequences for officers, colleagues and members of the public.
AIG Koroma urged divisional OSD commanders to introduce weekly weapon-handling drills for personnel under their command and submit reports on the outcome of each exercise. He further encouraged officers to use the internet and smartphones responsibly to enhance their policing knowledge and professional skills.
Drawing on his previous experience as Director of Training, AIG Koroma stressed that training must remain a continuous process, as policing methods, knowledge and skills continue to evolve.
At the end of the competition, certificates and cash prizes were presented to outstanding participants as an incentive for continued learning and professional excellence.
PC 20568 Phebean T. Yambasu of Congo Cross Police Division emerged as the overall individual winner, while Freetown West Regional Headquarters secured second place and PC 17209 Hassan Koroma of Mountain Police Division placed third. The Regional Headquarters team was also recognised as the Best Group.
The competition concluded successfully, reinforcing the SLP’s commitment to continuous training, safe weapon handling, operational preparedness and professional policing.